MMC, Inc. HR Tip February 2010 Volume 2 Issue 2

Are Good Work Relations Similar To Successful Love Relations?

Written by: Crystal M. O'Brien, Esq.

Have you ever considered relationship advice for nurturing romantic love interests is similar to advice you should heed in the workplace? 
 
One of the latest trends among career and business consultants is to compare the search for landing the “right” employment with searching for the “right” love partner.  Is this comparison a leap?  Below, we examine tips from trusted love coaches that may mirror advice for maintaining good work relationships.

1. Be spontaneous and have different interests.  Routine and lack of creativity can put even the most stable of love and work relationships at risk.  Thus encouraging co-workers (and love partners) to think “outside the box” and explore new ways to attain certain goals and objectives will not only improve your work and home life, but inspire a happier employee and love partner.
2. Educate yourself.  Staying “in the know” as to who your partner/employee/co-worker is, is a never-ending duty. Committing to improve your communication and listening skills are key to long-term relationship success. While you can hone your Emotional I.Q. by reading books, online articles, or listening to digital coaching articles, simply spending time with the people you rely on to make your home and workplace run smoothly, is a must.
3. Never take the other person for granted. There is an art to keeping relationships “fresh and new.” Constant nurturing and attention are required. The end goal, of course, is to remain dedicated to impressing your partner/employee/co-worker, respecting this person, and aiming for a relationship that renews the spirit and inspires the other to aspire to be their best.
4. Consider the 75/25 rule. Do you take opposition to efforts which seem to fall short of what you believe you contribute to the relationship? Remember: few things in life can be measured in 50/50 contributions. This means that some days your willingness to give more than your share is required. The measure of a successful relationship rests on the overall results achieved by the contributions of the partnership.
5. Practice good conflict resolution skills. Relationships that are valued cannot withstand unfair fighting. Learning how to approach problem solving in a way that honors the mutual wishes and values of the parties enhances the success of whether those solutions will address the issues. Attaining solutions that all can embrace is key to achieving buy-in. The lessons we glean when we successfully solve work and home disputes reminds us all that even as adults, we must learn to “play-in-the-sand” fairly.

On behalf of everyone at MMC, we wish all of our clients a very happy Valentine’s Day.  To learn more about how to improve your effectiveness as an employee coach, feel free to contact our Risk Management Department at (800) 899-MMCI (6624).

 Articles you might also be interested in:

• Managing Workplace Romances: Tips For Employers  
• Love In The Workplace: Consider Love Contracts  Can't Always Negotiate Love

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